"Did you telepathise yourself this morning?" Griff asks Ida, as she has been strongly on his mind.
He took a bus to Cheltenham, with areas "a bit similar to our King Street but the High Street was thronged with people and smelly buses."
In Cheltenham there are music programmes sorted for the season including a visit from the London Philharmonic and the "local Spa Orchestra".
He's off to the church later, "it is proposed to have a matinee with the hotel Talkie projector! They work if only at quiet times, for at busy ones it stops the audience drinking - they soon proved that!"
There is a cold going around the inn, that he has just shaken (and possibly spread?). "It must be Germs or Air Wardens; we have the latter but no sand bags, and it is not fashionable to carry masks."

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff writes to Ida whilst on holiday in Gloucestershire. He reckons her wish of flying over the Cotswolds won't be too extraordinary given the RAF base there already.
On a long walk around Maugersbury and Icomb he walked a very lonely stretch without even a cow to say hello to and was glad of the bath when he got back to the Old New Inn.
There's a reference to a Tommy who sounds like he's enlisted in the war effort. Griff hopes he gets posted to Egypt or Bermuda, "to release a regular garrison." No idea why he wants him so far away!
It sounds like there are children staying at the inn? Possibly evacuated?
It's a bit different from Manchester, the "whole village seems to be in bed" for 1030pm. He's looking forward to seeing her on Wednesday.

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff wishes to say good night to Ida so is writing this letter. He hopes to see her for their usual Tuesday date, "even though Hitler is no gentleman, I doubt if he dare interfere very much with Tuesdays."
He hopes to know if he will be called to sing with the Halle Choir, "after all, the men look so outnumbered that they might well be included in full."
He hopes to see her at the Ashton-under-Lyne offices and has drawn her a map, "but in all fairness I must stress again that the surroundings are unlovely and the office itself stone-cold."

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
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Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff writes to Ida that he had a nice walk home from their date. Well, he thinks the walk was nice but he admits to spending most of it thinking about how beautiful she was. He feels guilty about keeping her up late but begs another date.

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With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
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Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A misty night caused subdued chaos on the buses through South Manchester, Griff relays to Ida.
He has played cards with his parents but prefers writing when they are in bed.
"I fear my only trouble is an occasional wave of self-pity, a detestable thing and about unrealised ambitions and so forth in the realm of business; not that ambitions are much use in the time of war" but "the war can't go on forever and it would take a while to starve us out - unless the pound sterling goes queer!"
I wonder what he would have made of Brexit.

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
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Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff promises Ida that her letters "won't be made into a bonfire, not even if there is a huge shortage of paper!" God, I wish I knew where Ida's letters are, if they haven't since made it onto a bonfire.
The weather is turning and he will visit her "if I can force my way through the snow".
He invites her to the cinema with reassurances that "half of them are slightly warlike in title, but not actively connected to the present spot of trouble."
He signs off saying "your hair was more beautiful than ever on Tuesday."

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff describes to Ida the cinema outpourings as "hordes of flat-footed 'flicks' fans" and apologises for leaving it so late yesterday when she would have been freezing after the fire went out.
He arranges to meet later and remarks on the weather. "Have just started the canvassing for business game for 1940 season and myself find the alternate centrally heated offices and the cold cold streets rather trying these last few days."

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Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff relates to Ida of a mysterious bit of paper with nothing but "37" written on it.
It's been snowing in Manchester and his muscles are feeling the extra work required to walk through the streets.
Nevertheless he's gone for a walk, ended up with a wet foot and ankle due to some deceptive snow, visited the library, listened to the Martini-Vermouth concert (sounds classy), read a bit of Flamenco by Lady Eleanor Smith and is now writing her her, the most pleasant part of his evening.
He's happy to miss his bus home if it means spending more time with her and believes that more youngsters (under 70) should have reasons to miss their bus, too.

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Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff has played on Boris his cello and cards with the family.
He's arranged electricity at a new address in Birkdale Southport but not sure whose it is. His? He has "written to Jack telling him the truth and nothing [like] but the truth" but I'm not clear what truth he has told. About Birkdale? Something else?
He shares his anxious deliberations about writing and posting to Ida and lists the places they could walk.

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Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

In this letter Griff laments with Ida how the war gets in the way of a nice cup of tea, "When you are trying for a nice cup of tea you will have to unhook the receiver! But it is really a compliment that they should ring the house of Carroll about the shelter."
He tells her of his dreams he's had. "Such nice dreams last night, darling. My head had hardly hit the pillow before I was almost quite sure that we were strolling around and about Marie Louise Gardens, me with arms right round you! But there was just one horrid dream - I appeared to be before the local committee in the bar parlour of the G&D and they wanted me to fire-spot on all Tuesdays, and I was telling them quite how impossible that would be - telling them everything except the absolute truth!" Tuesdays were when Griff and Ida met up in the evening for dates so to be tethered to his Auxiliary Fire Service work would have been terrible!
He looks forward to meeting her on Saturday and hearing all about the Matthay School of Music.

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Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff references a "little disturbance occurred, a horrid disturbance", not sure what he refers to. Probably not the Blitz as that was a few days and was not "little".
He relates some if his dreams, how comprehensive they were. "Even Mr Gielgud entered them - are you jealous that they should be shared, darling?"
He played his cello despite "some unkind reference was made to air raid warnings."

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff is going to practice on Boris his cello, but not in the front room. Maybe the bathroom with a small heater.
"War or no war, I'm glad music is going on, as well as your knitting." Griff suggested the choir do a concert in aid of the Red Cross, "or even have rehearsals without a definite object."
He's been refunded his Hazelgrove choir subscription but for ages "I've been carrying the envelope most carelessly, thinking it was a receipt!"
He discusses cinema options in Manchester and doesn't fancy going to see the Enigma Variations, for his mother is too ill for anything so long.
"There have been one or two very good dreams, but most awkward to tell you about. I might be able to tell Herr Freud if he was alive - which I doubt."

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff writes to Ida "Your Father does go to bed hoping for the best; mine more has taken to sitting until a late hour, in the lovely and almost certain fear that there will be an air raid!"
He mentions that there are eager young people willing to join the Auxiliary Fire Service in Ashton-under-Lyne but they will not be allowed since their base of operations is the bar parlour of the George and Dragon pub.
He refers to her own experience in voluntary WW2 work, "I hope your Father read a small riot act to you for entertaining policemen to nice glasses of beer at eleven-something - but you seem to have everyone well trained!"
It sounds like she's performing soon and he hopes that "the whole of the Matthay are at the concert." He's looking forward to seeing her wear her new hat and reasons that if he's seen her in it before not noticed it's because her beauty has blinded him to all else. Smooth, Griff.

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Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Ida is away for a break and Griff writes to her, commenting on the effectiveness of communications. He's glad she's only on a short break and hopes the weather is good where she is, not like the "small hurricane" blowing around Manchester.

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With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
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Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Miss F. Christian Orford writes to Ida Carroll to tell her that the Manchester Women's String Orchestra rehearsals are cancelled for the forseeable future.

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff writes to Ida that he is "most definitely a Bad Hat," overstaying with her and missing his bus home. "You see, I weaken considerably under the veranda."
He might be staying at work later but "shall have to reach the Hallé somehow on Thursday, for one thing they give out platform tickets at the last rehearsal, then it's so jolly interesting meeting Dr Sargent and receiving final instructions."
He recommends the Regal on Oxford Rd just down the road from the Matthay School of Music, as its shows are "very cheap; all the more money for sherry."

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff writes to Ida, "In times of peace I used always to write something to you on Wednesday nights, even if the "something" wasn't posted right away. Dear me, what a change in general routine though." He says, "what a marvellous night it would have been for a nice walk, in happier circumstances, there are thousands of stars and just a nice nip in the air."
he has been trying to contact the National Service Office about a form he sent them, presumably for volunteering or service, but has had no response. He doesn't "approve of too many paid Nat. Service Workers - males especially. You can't make war without the infantry, and they live among mud, blood and lice; etc. Nat. Service Workers can have a bath twice a day if he wants to, and live some sort of civilised existence." He doesn't remember much of WW1 "but recall with profound horror the battered humanity I saw stationed at the three great hospitals in Buxton. They frightened me."
"We easily forget our promises of 1919."

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With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff writes to Ida after receiving "a well deserved lecture" in the post from her, "my word with what keenness do you observe the deficiencies of Man."
There is a Miss Price from Wilmslow working at the travel agents over the summer who despite her wealth, "appears to enjoy her spell of being the tourist agent." Although it does mean that they need to be on their best behaviour in the shop.
He admits that he doesn't mind "working over time at No.44 quite cheerfully when I know it is to be necessary and of my own choice. Tell me to do it and I become sulky." He says that "I don't expect direct thanks for any extra work that I perform but I do appreciate mild consideration."

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Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff sympathises with Ida's "distended ribs", having once damaged ligaments in his foot getting off a bus.
He admits he doesn't care for boxing, or wrestling or speedway racing.
He's "put some friends on a wrong train and am feeling very sore about it, discovered it today. Very nerve shaking." He admits he's "feeling very small about my business escapades, I nevertheless bow, as you instruct me to do." Finished with what I assume is a bowing stick figure, or some sort of horrible Goya dream, who knows.

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
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Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff tells Ida that he escorted a contralto home after choir practice at Birch Church, "Miss Klatovsky!! She is staying with relations somewhere off Parsonage Road and doesn't enjoy these blackout nights."
A choir social is being planned and he asks "could you provide me with an alibi for that date", thick as thieves.
If he can't see her for a walk then "I shall stay at home and play Boris all night; that may be a good thing on the surface but it would be trying to the nerves of the Old Folk."

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff is grateful for Ida teaching him music when they first met. Her lessons "reading at the piano and at Burch did very much more for my Hallé Chorus ambition than anything that Tom Case could produce." Not sure who Case is.
Ida's got a cold and it's likely his fault, he is sorry for it. He would like to take her to the ballet when she's well.
He's writing a novel and has the first chapter sketched out. "Little Mr Winterberry wakens me morning (as usual!) and thinks of the business and personal day before him. He little knows of the unusual adventure that will befall."

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Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff admits to Ida that he didn't want to go home and leave her, "and having arrived I wanted to return to you at once, but one of the far too many policemen might have bobbed up and accused me of attempted unlawful entry to property. That I would willingly do for you darling, but how should I open to office, if caught in the act, at 9.30 tomorrow."
He invites her to the cinema and informs her that he's spending Sunday morning running through fire drill training for the Auxiliary Fire Service, his wartime volunteering.

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff writes to Ida to say that his mum wouldn't manage a long concert, maybe a recital though. "She did go to a Messiah once, but only because I was singing (in the chorus) and then she never saw me!"
He might be moving around a bit for work but will try and make it back to Birch Church in time for rehearsals as Malcolm Sargent is leading it.

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Griff writes to Ida "sorry to hear of your injury. Though I shall see you before you read this note I must commiserate with you tonight!" She's sprained something, it sounds like. Ouch!
He talks about how the war has affected the travel agency he works at. It sounds like the hours had planned to be extended but then "I had a letter from Oldham, suggesting it was hardly worth while, in view of the blackout and government urgings not to travel." However he laments that he still has to work boxing day.
Griff hasn't signed off these pages of the letter so there may have been other pages that haven't made it to the archive.

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.